AFGHANISTAN! Whither Canada? Our Panel Report

The “Group of 4”  from the Ottawa east end of the Green Party of Canada held an  evening event on 2 Feb 2010 at St Paul’s University, on the subject of Canada’s future in the Afghanistan crisis at this critical decision year for the Canadian government.    The event looked at the region from the perspective of  “Human Tragedy versus Canadian Values”, and from the perspective that the Taliban is not a unique Afghan problem but a regional problem and needs regional solutions.   The event was attended by people from many nations in the conflict zone and the dialogue and exchange of views was very encouraging.  There is hope.

 In a message read to attendees from Elizabeth May, the leader of the Green Party, she offered that:  "Canadians are increasingly concerned that the current mission presents a non-winnable challenge.  As we empathize with the needs of the Afghan people, and particularly of the plight of women, we are deeply concerned with the suffering, violence and instability of the region.   We need solutions than are sustainable, constructive and involve the wider international community in a peace keeping rather than war fighting role.  These are some of the questions with which the Green Party has struggled.   I wish all participants in this discussion wisdom, tolerance and an ability to listen.  I thank the Ottawa area Greens, Paul Maillet, Akbar Mannousi, Sylvie and Qais, for their initiative in organizing this important discussion." 

 This was an evening with a panel of experts from diplomatic, military, and academic communities to reflect on the human and political crisis in Afghanistan, and to reflect on Canada’s future involvement in this region.    The panel included:  His Excellency Jawed Ludin – Ambassador of Afghanistan to Canada;  Paul Maillet, Colonel (retired) – Former Director of Defence Ethics, Department of National Defence;  Professor  Nasir Islam – Specialist in Afghanistan and Pakistan Affairs.  University of Ottawa;  Professor  Nipa Banerjee – Head of Canada’s Aid Program in Kabul 2003-2006.  University of Ottawa; and  Professor Akbar Manoussi – Specialist in Middle East and Iranian Affairs. Carleton University.

 The master of ceremonies was Sylvie Lemieux, a candidate of the Green party of Canada, and the panel was moderated by Dr Qais Ghanem, also a candidate of the Green Party of Canada and a strong human rights proponent.

 Dialogue highlights

 The dialogue was a very informative and passionate exchange of views and certainly highlighted the tragedy of the historical context, the almost insurmountable governance problems, the ongoing problems with development activities, and the violence, trauma and suffering that is occurring and ongoing.  Issues relating to the plight of women were raised.  Issues related to the Afghan refugee populations in Iran were raised.

 The Ambassador commented that 2009 was the bloodiest year in this conflict to date with the most Afghani civilians killed or wounded. This war is about world security and Canadian security.  However, he offered that Afghan security forces are growing in strength every year.  There is a resolve to take responsibility for themselves and build capacity. He also offered that there have been many achievements and that there is reason for hope.

 On the subject of development activities the need for a better alignment of aid between the country’s needs and the donor’s often specifically directed contributions was pointed out as a real need.  A coherent aid approach that includes funding predictability, better alignment with Afghan needs, and accountability for donor promises, is required.

As we move forward in regional and western relationships, the importance of constructive language was identified as essential to meaningful discussions, to future success in conflict resolution, and to the creation of long lasting peace. There is a significant distinction between the language of war on terrorism, of collateral damage, and the weapons and tactics permitted; and the language of peacemaking, policing, security, diplomacy, reconciliation and the relief of suffering.   Language has a way of shaping relationships, shaping military tactics and behavior, and may shape expectations of peace and relief of suffering, rather than defeat of an enemy and killing.

 A case was raised in which Canadian soldiers were involved in the death of three civilians, two of which were children, and the trauma that this causes to Afghans.  The need for spaces and opportunities to speak the truth, be listened to, and responded in a way that reflects compassion, accountability, restitution and apology, is essential.  It is of note that Qais Ghanem, the moderator, has worked as a consultant neurologist at NDMC for 18 years. He has personally seen hundreds of returning soldiers with symptoms of PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), the treatment of which can be very challenging, and is often only partially successful.

 Professor Islam commented on the transformation of Canada’s army by General Hillier, the historical impossibility of holding Afghanistan, the massive expense of asymmetric warfare, around $500,000 to keep a soldier in the field for a year, the difficulties with reconciliation, and the characterization of foreign aid as a disaster.

 Whither Canada?

 It was the opinion of the group of 4 that we reiterate our position that Canada reassess and reorient its role and participation in this conflict, hopefully towards a more constructive humanitarian and peace building contribution.  There was no doubt that Canada is in a difficult position in this region and certainly a mixture of “the good we do, the sacrifice we make, and the suffering we cause.”

 We believe that Canada has abandoned certain hard won peacekeeping traditions and values and that it is time to reconsider the advantages of better focusing Canada’s role in terms of neutrality, diplomacy, development, governance strengthening and relief of suffering activity.  We believe that activity to strengthen governance to deal with corruption, violence and protecting human rights is a critical requirement and that Canada has the experience and expertise to contribute.  We advocate reorienting military involvement away from war fighting to security, policing assistance, protection and national force training functions. We have two Nobel Peace prizes for peacekeeping that we must reclaim.  This is an important issue as our government evolves foreign affairs priorities and allocates scarce funding and resources.

 On the diplomatic front, we believe that Canada can play a valuable neutral third party role to facilitate a values based dialogue between parties in conflict.  We can play a role in creating “safe spaces” either in the mid-east or here in Canada, where regional interests can exchange views and gain a better understanding of each other’s concerns, values and aspirations.   In that way, when parties in conflict are ready to talk, we can facilitate peace as soon as possible and with the earliest possible cessation of violence.  In a small way, this panel event is one such safe space for dialogue.  We hope to build on this event into a larger peace project for the region.  We invite any interested people who share our values to join us. 

 On the humanitarian front, we advocate the creation of safe spaces where the truth can be told, and healing can begin.  We advocate the creation of projects, which can relieve suffering in some ways and address the very real plight of women in the region.

 On the Canadian foreign policy front, we advocate a regional policy based on the premise of DO NO HARM and the primacy of the ETHIC OF CARE.

 We believe that we in the Green Party do not need to wait to be elected to begin the process of making a difference in those areas in which we have experience and expertise.  The Green Party represents nearly a million Canadians who voted for us in the last federal election and that engenders certain obligations to them.  They want our values and our voice in the Canadian political fabric and here we are.   It is past time for relentless criticism, for endless political pronouncements and promises.  It is time for action and making a difference.

 In the cause of peace from the Ottawa Group of 4

Paul Maillet, Akbar Manoussi,  Sylvie Lemieux, Qais Ghanem

 Tel: 1.613.841.9216  Cell 1.613.866.2503 Email: pmaillet@magma.ca

Web site: www.paulmailletgreenpartyorleans.wordpress.com